RESEARCH METHODOLOGY NOTES( PART -1)

Q1. Steps Involved in a Research Process

1. Formulation of Research Problem

a. The first and most important step.

b. The researcher must clearly state the problem, identify its scope, and set the
objectives.

c. Example: Studying the effect of social media on student performance.

2. Extensive Literature Survey

a. The researcher reviews existing literature, studies, and research papers related to
the problem.

b. This helps to understand what has already been done and where the gaps exist.

3. Development of Hypothesis

a. A tentative assumption or possible solution to the problem.

b. Hypothesis guides the direction of research.

c. Example: “Social media usage negatively impacts student performance.”

4. Preparation of Research Design

a. Research design acts as a blueprint for the entire study.

b. It specifies the methods of data collection, sampling, tools to be used, and

techniques for analysis.

5. Collection of Data

a. Data may be collected from primary sources (surveys, experiments, interviews) or

secondary sources (books, reports, journals, government data).

b. Accuracy in data collection is critical for reliability.

6. Analysis of Data

a. Collected data is classified, tabulated, and processed.

b. Statistical tools and methods are applied to draw meaningful results.

7. Testing of Hypothesis

a. Statistical tests such as chi-square test, t-test, F-test etc. are used to verify whether
the hypothesis is true or false.

8. Generalization and Interpretation

a. The results obtained are interpreted in light of the objectives.

b. Generalizations or theories may be developed based on findings.

 9. Preparation of Report or Thesis Writing

a. The final step involves writing the research report or thesis.

b. Report must contain introduction, methodology, findings, conclusions, and

references in a systematic format.

Q2. Meaning of Research and Its Significance in Modern Times

Meaning of Research

 Research is a systematic and scientific investigation to find out new facts, verify old
knowledge, and reach new conclusions.

 It is derived from the words “Re” (again) and “Search” (to find), meaning to search again and
again for truth or knowledge.

 According to C.R. Kothari: “Research is a scientific and systematic search for pertinent
information on a specific topic.”

Significance of Research in Modern Times

1. Expansion of Knowledge

o Research contributes to the growth of knowledge in every field.

o It leads to discovery of new facts, theories, and principles.

2. Practical Application

o Provides solutions to real-world problems in science, industry, medicine, and social

sciences.

o Example: Research in medical sciences has produced new vaccines and treatments.

3. Aid to Decision Making

o Managers, policymakers, and administrators depend on research to make reliable

decisions.

o Example: Economic surveys and market research help in government budget

preparation and business planning.

4. Social Development

o Helps in identifying social problems such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and

suggests remedies.

5. Economic Growth

o Industrial and technological research increases efficiency, productivity, and

contributes to national development.

6. Improvement in Quality of Life

 o Research in education, healthcare, environment, and technology improves the
standard of living of people.

Research means systematic search for new knowledge. In modern times, it is significant because it
expands knowledge, solves practical problems, aids decision making, supports social development,
promotes economic growth, and improves the quality of human life.

Difference between Research Methods and Research Methodology

Basis of
Research Methods Research Methodology
Difference

Techniques or tools used to collect The systematic way or approach of solving the
Meaning
and analyze data. research problem using proper methods.

Nature Practical in nature. Theoretical in nature.

Narrow scope – deals only with

Wider scope – includes research methods as
Scope specific data collection and analysis
well as their logic and justification.
techniques.

Focuses on the “why to do” behind the

Focuses on the “what to do” and
Focus selection and application of particular
“how to do” aspects of research.
methods.

Applied during data collection, data Applied at the overall planning, designing, and
Application
processing, and statistical analysis. evaluation stages of research.

Survey, interview, experiment, Explaining why a survey is chosen over an

Example observation, questionnaire, statistical experiment, why qualitative or quantitative
tests. method is suitable.

Deals with execution level of Deals with the strategy and philosophy of
Level
research. research.

 Research Methods = tools and techniques for conducting research.

 Research Methodology = science of studying how research is done and why specific
methods are used.

Describe the different types of research, clearly pointing out the difference between an
experiment and a survey

Types of Research

Research can be classified into different types on the basis of purpose, approach, and methods:
 1. Descriptive Research

o Describes the existing situation or characteristics of a population.

o Involves surveys, fact-finding, and case studies.

o Example: Study on literacy rate in a district.

2. Analytical Research

o Uses already available information and analyzes it critically.

o Example: Evaluating secondary data to study trends in the stock market.

3. Applied Research

o Conducted to solve specific, practical problems.

o Example: Research on improving agricultural productivity.

4. Fundamental or Pure Research

o Aims at developing theories or generalizations without immediate practical

application.

o Example: Research in quantum physics.

5. Quantitative Research

o Deals with numerical data, measurements, and statistical analysis.

o Example: Research on average income levels of households.

6. Qualitative Research

o Deals with non-numerical data such as opinions, behaviors, and attitudes.

o Example: Research on work culture in organizations.

7. Conceptual Research

o Related to abstract ideas or theories.

o Example: Philosophical research.

8. Empirical Research

o Relies on observation and experimentation.

o Based on evidence and data collected from real-life situations.

Difference Between Experiment and Survey

Basis Experiment Survey

A research method where variables are A method of collecting data by asking

Meaning controlled and manipulated to study cause- questions from respondents to study
and-effect relationships. opinions, behaviors, or facts.

Scientific, controlled, and based on testing

Nature Descriptive and fact-finding in nature.
hypotheses.

To establish causal relationships between To gather information about a population or

Purpose
variables. phenomenon.

Researcher has high control over conditions Researcher has little or no control over the
Control
and variables. environment.

Data Usually quantitative and experimental

Both quantitative and qualitative data.
Type results.

Collecting information through

Testing the effect of fertilizer on crop yield in
Example questionnaires about consumer
a laboratory setup.
preferences.

Write short notes on: (1) Design of the research project; (2) Ex post facto research; (3) Motivation
in research; (4) Objectives of research; (5) Criteria of good research; (7) Research and scientific
method.

(1) Design of the Research Project

 Meaning: Research design is the blueprint or plan of action that specifies how the research
will be conducted.

 Purpose: To ensure that the study is carried out efficiently and the results are reliable.

 Components:

1. Statement of research problem.

2. Objectives of the study.

3. Methods of data collection (primary/secondary).

4. Sampling design.

5. Tools and techniques for analysis.

6. Time and cost estimation.

 Types of Research Design:

o Exploratory design.
 o Descriptive design.

o Experimental design.

 Importance: Provides a systematic structure, reduces bias, ensures use of appropriate

methods, and saves time and resources.

(2) Ex Post Facto Research

 Meaning: Ex post facto means “from after the fact.” It is research in which the researcher
studies the effect of a variable after it has already occurred.

 Nature:

o No manipulation of independent variables (researcher cannot control them).

o Researcher studies existing conditions and tries to find possible causes.

 Example: Studying the effect of socio-economic status on academic performance.

 Usefulness: Useful in social sciences where experimental control is not possible.

(3) Motivation in Research

 Meaning: Motivation in research refers to the reasons or driving forces that encourage a
person to undertake research.

 Types of Motivation:

1. Academic motivation: Desire to contribute to knowledge, earn a degree, or publish.

2. Practical motivation: To solve specific social, economic, or industrial problems.

3. Professional motivation: To achieve career growth or recognition.

4. Personal motivation: To satisfy curiosity or intellectual interest.

 Importance: Motivation keeps the researcher focused, determined, and persistent

throughout the process.

(4) Objectives of Research

 Main Objectives:

1. To gain new insights into phenomena (exploratory).

2. To describe accurately the characteristics of a phenomenon (descriptive).

3. To determine the frequency of occurrence of something.

4. To establish causal relationships between variables (analytical/experimental).

 Other Objectives:
 o To test hypotheses.

o To develop new theories.

o To find solutions to practical problems.

(5) Criteria of Good Research

 Logical: Based on sound reasoning and scientific principles.

 Systematic: Conducted in a step-by-step planned manner.

 Empirical: Based on observable evidence and real data.

 Replicable: Other researchers should be able to verify or repeat the results.

 Objective: Free from personal bias or subjectivity.

 Reliable and Valid: Tools used should measure accurately and consistently.

 Ethical: Must follow honesty, transparency, and respect for participants.

(7) Research and Scientific Method

 Meaning: Research is closely linked with the scientific method, which provides a systematic
framework for inquiry.

 Steps of Scientific Method in Research:

1. Identification of problem.

2. Review of literature.

3. Formulation of hypothesis.

4. Designing the research.

5. Collection of data.

6. Analysis and interpretation.

7. Verification or rejection of hypothesis.

8. Drawing conclusions and reporting.

 Importance: Ensures that research is logical, unbiased, reliable, and capable of producing
valid results.

 Conclusion: Scientific method is the backbone of all good research, ensuring that knowledge
is not based on guesswork but on evidence.
“Empirical research in India in particular creates so many problems for the researchers”. State the
problems that are usually faced by such researchers.

Empirical Research and Its Problems in India

Meaning of Empirical Research

 Empirical research is research based on observation or experience rather than theory.

 It involves collection of primary data through surveys, experiments, or observation and

requires statistical analysis.

Problems Faced by Researchers in India in Conducting Empirical Research

1. Lack of Trained Researchers

o Many researchers are not adequately trained in data collection, sampling

techniques, or statistical analysis.

2. Inadequate Data

o Reliable and up-to-date data is often not available.

o Secondary data sources are scarce or outdated.

3. High Cost of Data Collection

o Conducting large-scale surveys or experiments requires significant financial

resources.

o Funding for research is limited in India.

4. Time-Consuming Process

o Collecting primary data across diverse populations takes a lot of time and effort.

5. Respondent’s Attitude

o People may be unwilling to share accurate information due to suspicion, illiteracy, or

lack of awareness.

o This leads to biased or incomplete data.

6. Problems of Sampling

o Selection of a proper and representative sample is difficult in a vast and diverse

country like India.

7. Administrative and Bureaucratic Hurdles

o Getting permissions from authorities, institutions, or government bodies for data

collection is often complicated.

8. Poor Infrastructure

o Lack of advanced technology, research laboratories, and software tools limits the
quality of empirical studies.

9. Shortage of Reliable Statistical Tools

 o Access to advanced statistical software and methods is limited, especially in rural
institutions.

10. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

 India’s diversity in languages, cultures, and traditions makes uniform data collection difficult.

11. Ethical Issues

 Maintaining confidentiality and ethical treatment of respondents is challenging in field

research.

Conclusion

Empirical research in India is extremely important for practical problem-solving but researchers face
problems such as lack of trained manpower, inadequate data, financial and infrastructural
limitations, and difficulties in dealing with respondents. Overcoming these issues requires better
training, financial support, technological development, and administrative cooperation.

A research scholar has to work as a judge and derive the truth and not as a pleader who is only
eager to prove his case in favour of his plaintiff.” Discuss the statement pointing out the objectives
of research.

Research Scholar as a Judge, Not a Pleader

Explanation of the Statement

 A pleader argues only in favor of his client and ignores opposite facts. His role is biased and
one-sided.

 A judge, on the other hand, examines all evidence objectively, considers every perspective,
and then arrives at the truth.

 Similarly, a research scholar must work like a judge – free from personal bias, preferences,
or pre-decided conclusions.

 The purpose of research is not to prove what the researcher wants to prove, but to discover
the truth based on scientific evidence.

Objectives of Research

1. Exploration of New Knowledge

o To gain new insights into phenomena and develop understanding.

o Example: Exploring the impact of digital learning on student performance.

2. Accurate Description

o To describe the characteristics of individuals, groups, or situations in a systematic

manner.

o Example: Describing the demographic profile of rural entrepreneurs.

 3. Causal Relationship Establishment

o To find out cause-and-effect relationships between variables.

o Example: Studying the effect of marketing strategies on consumer behavior.

4. Prediction

o To predict future events or trends based on present knowledge.

o Example: Predicting stock market movements using economic indicators.

5. Theory Development

o To test existing theories or to build new generalizations.

o Example: Developing new models in economics or management.

6. Problem Solving

o To provide practical solutions to social, economic, business, or scientific problems.

o Example: Research on renewable energy as a solution for environmental pollution.

7. Decision-Making Support

o To help policymakers, administrators, and managers in making reliable decisions.

o Example: Government using census data for policy formulation.

Conclusion

 A research scholar must act as an impartial judge, seeking truth and knowledge without
personal bias.

 The objectives of research – exploration, description, causal analysis, prediction, theory

building, problem-solving, and decision support – can be achieved only when research is
conducted objectively, systematically, and scientifically.

“Creative management, whether in public administration or private industry, depends on methods

of inquiry that maintain objectivity, clarity, accuracy and consistency”. Discuss this statement and
examine the significance of research”

The statement says that creative management, whether in public administration or private industry,
depends on methods of inquiry that maintain objectivity, clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

Creative management involves making innovative and effective decisions in any organization.
Managers often face complex problems and need reliable ways to find solutions. Research is a
systematic method of inquiry that helps managers understand problems clearly. It provides facts,
evidence, and insights to make informed decisions.
Research methods have some important features. Objectivity means the research should be free
from personal bias and based on facts rather than opinions. Clarity ensures that the problem,
methods, and findings are clearly defined so anyone can understand them. Accuracy ensures that the
data collected and conclusions drawn are correct and precise. Consistency means that the research
methods should be applied in the same way every time to get reliable results.

The significance of research in creative management is immense. It helps in identifying real problems
and possible solutions. It provides a factual basis for making effective and innovative decisions. In
public administration, research guides policies that affect people’s lives. In private industry, research
helps in market analysis, improving products, and increasing efficiency. Decisions based on research
reduce the chances of errors or failures.

Creative management cannot depend on guesswork or assumptions. Research ensures that decisions
are objective, clear, accurate, and consistent, which is essential for the success of any organization.
Research is not just important; it is the backbone of creative and effective management.

Research is much concerned with proper fact finding, analysis and evaluation.” Do you agree with
this statement? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Research is a systematic process of studying a problem to find accurate and reliable information. The
first step in research is fact finding, which involves collecting relevant data and information from
credible sources. Without proper facts, any conclusion would be unreliable and misleading.

The second step is analysis, where the collected data is examined carefully to understand patterns,
relationships, or trends. Analysis helps in making sense of raw facts and converting them into
meaningful information.

The third step is evaluation, where the results of the analysis are critically assessed. Evaluation helps
in determining the validity, reliability, and usefulness of the findings. It ensures that decisions or
conclusions drawn from research are accurate and dependable.

Research is not just about gathering information; it is about systematically analyzing and evaluating
facts to reach logical conclusions. Proper fact finding, analysis, and evaluation are therefore the core
of any good research. Without these, research would lose its purpose and credibility.

It is often said that there is not a proper link between some of the activities under way in the
world of academics and in most business in our country. Account for this state of affairs and give
suggestions for improvement

It is true that in many countries, including ours, there is often a gap between academic activities and
business practices. This happens for several reasons.
Firstly, academic institutions focus more on theoretical knowledge and research that may not have
immediate practical applications. Students and researchers often study concepts in isolation from
real-world business problems. Secondly, businesses are mostly concerned with profits, efficiency, and
practical solutions, and they may not have time or resources to adopt academic research. Thirdly,
there is often a lack of communication and collaboration between academia and industry, which
prevents knowledge transfer. Finally, outdated curricula and slow adaptation to new industry trends
in academic institutions further widen the gap.

To improve this situation, several steps can be taken. Academic institutions should collaborate with
industries through internships, joint projects, and consultancy programs. Curricula should be
regularly updated to include practical skills and emerging industry trends. Businesses should
encourage research partnerships and provide real-world problems for students and researchers to
work on. Workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing platforms can also strengthen the link
between academics and business.

In conclusion, bridging the gap between academics and business is essential for innovation,
economic growth, and skilled workforce development. With better collaboration, updated curricula,
and industry engagement, this gap can be significantly reduced.